News & Events

3 Mistakes to Avoid if you are Involved in a Car Accident

Abingdon, Bristol and Johnson City

If you have ever been in a car accident, you know it is a jarring and upsetting event. You know some of the things you are supposed to do such as, exchange insurance information with the other driver, call the police, even for a minor fender-bender, and notify your insurance company within 24 hours. But there are other aspects of a motor vehicle accident which you need to keep in mind for a case for compensation down the road. Lawyers who argue such cases also recommend the following.

Don’t refuse Medical attention!

You feel fine and don’t believe you have any injuries. But who knows how you will feel tomorrow, or if a more serious symptom should arise? Adrenaline right after the accident may be masking injuries. Call 911 right away and cooperate with EMT’s and other medical personnel. This is a form of documentation of the accident. The longer you wait to seek medical treatment or evaluation, the more the other party can argue that your injuries were unrelated to the accident. If possible take pictures of more obvious injuries. You want “your” diagnosis of feeling fine corroborated and detailed by someone with an MD after his name. If EMT’s recommend that you go to the hospital, you must go.

Don’t say anything at the scene or to the other party’s insurance adjuster

Don’t apologize and don’t admit responsibility. Don’t offer your opinion or speculation on what happened. Anything you say can be used against you in a later case for compensation. And don’t lose your cool! Even if the other driver is angry and insistent that you caused the accident and what he will do to you because of it, proceed in a calm, business-like manner. The accident is not the gunfight at the OK Corral. It is evidence that you need to be compensated for your car damage and your injuries. Cooperate with police and other emergency personnel, but don’t offer any more than what is asked for. Later, the insurance adjuster for the other party may call and say they are required to get you tape-recorded statement. This is not true. You are not required to give a statement.

Document the Evidence

Take pictures while the cars are in the position of the accident. Take them from the position the cars were traveling in. Use background for context for the cars and the other car in relation to your car. Many people just take up-close photos of the damage instead of the actual scene. Take pictures of debris or skid marks or anything else that might have been germane to the accident, such as road damage or a stop sign. Take photos of anything which could block the drivers view such as bushes or improperly parked cars. Take your photos from many different angles, which will tell the story of what happened for insurance adjusters. Take photos of the other driver’s license or insurance information in case you misplace the paper on which you wrote the details.

Car Accident Attorney in the Tri-Cities

Most of us will get into an auto accident at some point in our lives. You will be distracted. You will be scared. You may be hurt. However, mistakes or legal challenges still occur, and when it does, contact your attorney by calling (276) 451-2056 to schedule a free consultation.

The Law Offices of Michael R. Munsey, P.C., are proud to serve clients in Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City, TN, as well as Bristol, VA.